Luo Jiaoyang had originally intended to thank him properly, but seeing his blatant favoritism, she was so incensed that she laughed instead. "Is there nothing in your eyes besides Ming Guniang?"
"Nothing," he answered shamelessly.
The crowd burst into laughter, and even Qin Shangwu couldn't resist teasing, "If you're this smitten, why not ask the Minister Superior for a marriage decree upon your return? He would surely grant it."
Mingyi's heart skipped a beat.
A marriage decree?
She had never been formally married before. Though she and this man were already as good as husband and wife, she had neither ridden in a bridal sedan nor exchanged bows with him under heaven and earth. Something was indeed missing.
She had never been one to care much for such ceremonial formalities, but now that they had survived the Six Cities Tournament, she suddenly thought it wouldn't be so bad to have them. At least if death came unexpectedly one day, she wouldn't look back with regrets.
Pursing her lips, she glanced sideways at Ji Bozhai.
The man remained draped lazily against her, one arm slung over her shoulder, the other holding a wine cup, his eyes hazy with intoxication. "A marriage decree sounds perfect. I'll ask the Minister Superior as soon as we return."
The crowd erupted in cheers, clamoring about wedding wine. Even Bai Ying beside them couldn't help murmuring, "I never understood matters of the heart before, but watching you and the lord, I finally see. If I ever seek a husband, I'll find one who loves me just as much."
Mingyi's cheeks flushed crimson under the teasing. She hid behind her wine cup, mumbling vague responses.
But when she turned back, she met Ji Bozhai's dark, gleaming eyes.
In them, she saw her own reflection—serene, delicate. Not the fawning flattery of Dancing Girl Mingyi, nor the hardened fierceness of Fighter Ming Xian. Yet those eyes brimmed with love for him, gazing back at him with unrestrained joy.
Startled by her own expression, she quickly lowered her gaze—only for him to tilt her chin up.
"You're free now. Don't hide," he murmured, his breath warm with wine. "From this day forward, do as you please, love whom you wish. No one controls you anymore, no one can hinder you—don't hinder yourself either."
"Fine words, my lord," she turned her face away. "But who bears the blame if I trust the wrong man?"
"I do. If I ever betray you, my life and fortune are yours to take."
"......"
She couldn't help looking at him again.
This was the man who had captured her heart at first sight, though she'd later grown disheartened, thinking she could never grasp his heart, and so abandoned expectations.
But now they had faced life and death together. He had become her steadfast support, with no other distractions around him.
Perhaps... she could allow herself to trust him, just a little?
"Yi'er," he sighed softly, intertwining their fingers.
Very well, Mingyi thought.
She feared neither hardship nor death—why fear misplaced trust? If she wanted to try being with him, she might as well do so wholeheartedly.
Her fingers curled around his in return.
Ji Bozhai froze, then slowly straightened, enveloping her entire hand in his palm and gripping it tightly.
"Too tight. Loosen up," she frowned.
"No," he inhaled deeply, voice low. "If I loosen my grip, you'll drift away again."
"I won't."
Ji Bozhai studied her, nodding slightly—but his hand remained firm.
Mingyi couldn't help laughing. "You're the champion of the Six Cities. Shouldn't you be drinking with them? What are you doing clinging to me here?"
"They'll come toast me themselves. Stay right where you are."
Helpless, Mingyi could only let him have his way.The Flying Beast Cart, carrying dozens of drunken revelers, swayed unsteadily above the Azure Cloud. At first, Mingyi thought it was just her dizziness from drinking too much, but gradually, she sensed something was amiss.
Opening the window to glance outside, her tipsiness vanished instantly: "My lord, look out there."
Ji Bozhai lazily lifted his gaze, only to see three beast-drawn carriages closing in on them. The nearest one bore the Facing Sun banner and had already collided with their cart's wheels twice.
"What are they doing?" Luo Jiaoyang also noticed something wrong and leaned toward the window. "A fall from this height would be fatal."
"Sore losers, perhaps? Sunspire City falling to the lower three cities would truly be the death of them." Meng Yangqiu set down his wine cup, frowning as he surveyed the scene outside. "Do they intend to take us down with them?"
Ji Bozhai scoffed. "They're not worthy."
Essence Power surged from the carriage, enveloping the entire vehicle. This time, the Sunspire City cart failed to budge them even slightly. Instead, its own wheels cracked, sending the entire carriage plummeting downward.
Mingyi gasped, reaching out instinctively to steady the falling cart, but it slipped beyond her grasp. She could only watch helplessly as it disappeared into the churning mist.
"Serves them right," Luo Jiaoyang muttered.
Qin Shangwu, however, was sobered by fright. Following Mingyi's gaze to where the cart had fallen, then to the two remaining Flying Beast Carts retreating into the distance, his heart sank. "This won't cause trouble, will it?"
Mingyi shook her head. She couldn't fathom Sunspire City's intentions—sacrificing a Flying Beast Cart and presumably its passengers for nothing. Still, as long as their own cart was unharmed, that was what mattered. The rest of the journey passed in wary tension until they finally crossed into Star Yearn City's territory. Only when their feet touched solid ground did their hearts settle completely.
The entire city was immersed in jubilation. The moment they disembarked, their arms were filled with fragrant sachets, handkerchiefs, and all manner of fruits and game. Ji Bozhai and Mingyi were ushered directly into the inner courtyard, where even the Minister Superior himself awaited them at the gate.
"You've had a long journey," the beaming Minister Superior clasped Ji Bozhai's hands the moment he saw him. "After all these years, our Star Yearn City has finally claimed the championship. You can't imagine how overjoyed I was when the news arrived yesterday. Come, the welcoming banquet has been prepared since morning. Even your residence has been renovated and cleaned—you can rest comfortably upon your return."
The Empress trailed behind him. Spotting Mingyi, she pursed her lips but still approached to take her arm in formal greeting. "You've worked hard."
Mingyi smiled even more artificially. "Your Majesty is too kind."
Several princes followed at a distance, unable to even approach the Minister Superior's side. Though they wore expressions of joy, their gazes toward Ji Bozhai held subtle complexities—especially Gong Wang's. While Star Yearn City's victory was cause for celebration, it likely secured Ji Bozhai's position as heir apparent, which boded ill for Gong Wang himself.
Yet none could show their true feelings now. Seated at the banquet, they even took the lead in presenting gifts to Ji Bozhai.
Gong Wang presented Ji Bozhai with twelve beauties in one breath, smiling as he said, "I heard some maids in your household have become with child during your absence. These are to replenish your staff—I hope you'll accept them graciously."
Ji Bozhai's hand twitched. His eyes flicked briefly toward Mingyi before he laughed. "Your Highness exaggerates. How could any maids be pregnant when I've been away from Star Yearn City for so long?""Hmm? Did I hear wrong?" Gong Wang said in confusion. "That Tianyin from your residence before, wasn't she pregnant?"
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